Elephant Rampage in Gorumara: SWM Center Blamed as Waste Attracts Herds to Human Settlements

• Wild elephant herds are increasingly raiding human settlements near Gorumara forest, attracted by waste from a Decentralized Solid Waste Management (SWM) Unit.
• The SWM center in Matiali Batabari No.-2 Gram Panchayat area is drawing elephants due to the strong smell of accumulated plastic, food scraps, and garbage.
• Recently, elephants broke fences around the SWM center, causing damage, and villagers report attacks on nearby houses.
• Locals live in fear, staying awake at night due to the constant threat of elephants entering their homes.
• Environmentalists and locals advocate for relocating the SWM center away from the forest to reduce human-wildlife conflict and ensure safety.

Why It Matters: Elephant incursions in Gorumara are escalating due to a nearby SWM center, prompting calls for its relocation.